1974 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1974 Mazda RX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mazda RX-3 | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
